Using Technology

We have computer applications designed for our businesses, we use wireless connectivity, we have GPS’s and all kinds of things that connect to our computers like printers, scanners etc.

My question of the day is how much effort do you make to ensure that you really understand that technology?

When was the last time you took some training?

Do you ask “the experts” for advice?

Do you try to learn from the “super users” in your environment? Are YOU a super user?

Do you even know if you are proficient with the technology you use? Most people don’t realise what they don’t know!

Technology is a tool … it helps us do our job, it can make us more efficient … but it can also slow us down!

Do yourself a favor … make a goal to use your technology as efficiently as possible. That means making an effort to (a) understand where you can get better; and (b) find the best ways that will improve your skills (training, mentoring, sharing etc)

Talk to any tech support person and they will regale you with stories of questions they get asked … and very often it is the same questions, and often from the same people.

Here are five very basic tips that will eliminate a lot of problems for you:

1. Restart your computer EVERY DAY. That does NOT mean logging off … it means actually doing a full restart, or switching your machine off and then when it has fully stopped, switching it back on again.

2. Power down your smartphone EVERY DAY.

3. When you are working on your computer don’t have a million applications open at the same time. If you have finished with one for now, then shut it down until you need it again. Obviously keep open the applications that you use continuously, but be aware that the more “stuff” that is open the harder your machine is working and the more chances that something will go wrong.

4. Don’t load applications or files onto your computer without giving it serious thought. If it’s at work you should make sure it is allowed. If it is at home be careful that it is from a trusted source. That “free” stuff is never as free as you think.

5. Identify the tools you use most and have a plan to update your skills in those tools at least annually. When did you last take a Word, Excel or Powerpoint course? There are lots of self-paced courses available, invest in yourself.

Just a few basic things can (a) make you more productive, (b) remove some stress from your life and (c) keep you learning, which is a “win” in itself!